BC Finance Minister visits Foodlands site on the sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm (Salmon River)

On October 13, 2022, the Rivershed Team was thrilled to welcome BC Finance Minister, the Honourable Selina Robinson (MLA, Coquitlam-Maillardville) to a Foodlands Corridor Restoration Program project site along the sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm (Salmon River) to showcase the restoration work that has been accomplished and help with some maintenance planting.

We were honoured to have the day start with a song and inspiration from Dennis Leon and Kassandra Antone from the Kwantlen First Nation Cultural Team. Afterwards, Kelly Yates gave some opening remarks about the significance of the sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm (Salmon River) to the Kwantlen First Nation. Kelly is a Kwantlen First Nation member who has been at the heart of this Foodlands project. We extend our deepest gratitude to Kelly, Dennis and Kassandra, and səýeḿ Qwantlen (the business subsidiary of the Kwantlen First Nation), for being such an integral part of this restoration work.

We were also joined by friends and collaborators, including:

• Leanne Sexsmith, Director, Real Estate Foundation of BC and Co-Director of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative.
• Zita Botelho, Director, Watersheds BC and Co-Director of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative.
• Mark Gifford, CEO, Real Estate Foundation of BC.
• Al Jonsson, Aquatic Specialist, Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd.
• Lisa Dreves, Stewardship Coordinator, and the Langley Environmental Partners Society team.
• Coree Tull, Co-Chair, BC Watershed Security Coalition
• As well as some of the generous landholders who have made this work possible.

Last week’s site visit generated great discussions about the sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm corridor and the importance of connecting, protecting and restoring the Fraser Watershed. We were grateful to have the opportunity to show everyone how much work has been done, and to celebrate the ongoing success of this important Foodlands Restoration Corridor.

Thank you to the honourable Minister and her government for funding for the Healthy Watersheds Initiative that allowed us to start this vital restoration work for the sc̓e:ɬxʷəy̓əm (Salmon River) and the Fraser Watershed.

This restoration work has been made possible by Healthy Watersheds Initiative, a program funded by the Government of British Columbia and delivered by the Real Estate Foundation of BC in partnership with Watersheds BC. Additional funding support provided by Dr Bronner’s, InstaFund, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation Community Salmon Program. We would also like to thank the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance and səýeḿ Qwantlen (the business subsidiary of the Kwantlen First Nation) for their collaboration and support.

*Halq’eméylem and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ translations provided by knowledge keepers and speakers from Kwantlen and Katzie Nations.